According to Owen Palmer-Atkin, a reporter with BBC Sport who has access to Leicester City Football Club, the Foxes do have transfer priorities and intent this month. First of all, a striker is wanted on Filbert Way by manager Marti Cifuentes. Secondly, the East Midlanders are supposedly also eyeing up a new playmaker; with Aaron Ramsey out of action at the moment. Thirdly, now that wantaway Wout (Faes) has left King Power Stadium, another centre back could be signed as well.
Although, Faes did only leave on loan, and City's financial situation is strained and restricted, if not perilous. Therefore this wish may well be wishful thinking by the LCFC gaffer. Finally, Cifuentes confirmed much of the Blue Army fan base's suspicion about the Belgium international during the Thursday press conference before meeting fairly local rivals Coventry City. Faes did inform the former Queens Park Rangers head coach that he wanted out of LE2. But when?
Leicester City boss Marti Cifuentes confirms Wout Faes wanted to leave Leicestershire
Here is what Cifuentes clarified about the CB. Leicester fans will be unsurprised and generally unbothered:
#LCFC | Martí Cifuentes tells me that Wout Faes had asked to leave the club in the summer.
— Owynn Palmer-Atkin (@OwynnPA) January 15, 2026
Now, they could look into the market for a CB, but won’t be afraid to utilise the academy if need be.
A lot depends on fitness of Harry Souttar, who is still a few weeks away.
Foxes aim to sign a striker, a No.10 and a centre back
Firstly, what did Cifuentes say about City's plans for the current transfer window? Well, Palmer-Atkin reports that the team leader insists that Leicester can still do deal, in spite of media concern.
Michail Antonio likely would have been the initial acquisition as a free transfer. That move was halted due to injury. Leaving LCFC with a void to fill, especially after Julian Carranza's exit.
Ramsey's absence is being felt at Leicester, despite Bobby De Cordova-Reid's excellent form overall. I would advance Jordan James to the 10 spot, personally.
Another centre half would not hurt. Though, with respect to recruitment, a centre forward remains the main priority on Filbert Way.
#LCFC | Martí Cifuentes tells me that they are looking in the market for an attacker, after the move for Michail Antonio fell through.
— Owynn Palmer-Atkin (@OwynnPA) January 15, 2026
He mentioned a striker and a number 10, but admitted they need to bolster their forward line this window.